Golf performance improvement analysis method utilizing either fractional factorial or full factorial statistical analysis and an output factors weighting scheme

ABSTRACT

A methodology for the golfer to choose golf swing setup factors to be studied in order to determine each studied factor&#39;s influence on a set of output or performance factors. In this case, the output factors examined are distance and shape of the resulting shot. The golfer will complete a series of trials where setup factors are varied in a manner defined within a statistically-valid experiment. Completion of these various trials will result in the capability of the golfer to qualitatively select setup factor levels by observation of the golf shots or, secondly, to utilize statistical software to analyze the data resulting from the trials, resulting in a series of graphical or numeric recommendations for optimal results. The recommendations yielded by the software analysis will be a function of the preferential weightings of output factors (in this case, distance and shape) as provided by the golfer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.provisional patent application, Ser. No. US60/594,500, filed Apr. 13,2005, for GOLF PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT ANALYSIS METHOD UTILIZING EITHERFRACTIONAL FACTORIAL OR FULL FACTORIAL STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND ANOUTPUT FACTORS WEIGHTING SCHEME, by Glen R. Nevogt, included byreference herein and for which benefit of the priority date is herebyclaimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method designed to identify inputfactors that have have the greatest influence on golf shot results and,more particularly, to distance the golf ball travels as well as theshape of the shot, or stated in another way, whether the ball curvesleft or right or neither left nor right but straight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a myriad of methods taught by professional and other golfinstructors to improve golf shot results of their students. Golfers mayor may not use the services of these teachers. In many cases, the golferuses many trial-and-error sessions to determine what golf grip,alignment, ball position and other factors that serve as setup inputs totheir golf swing will yield improvement in outputs of the golf shot suchas distance and shot shape. Shot shape is a term that describes whethera golf ball flies straight or curves in mid-air to the left or right.These teaching methods or trial-and-error related sessions do notgenerally use statistically-based methods and to be certain, do not usefractional factorial experimentation methods.

Golfers are frequently frustrated by the fact that persons teaching thegolf setup and swing teach what works for the teacher to a greaterextent than what will work for the individual golfer. Golfers' shots areinfluenced by many factors associated with themselves and the equipmentthey use such as physical attributes, golf club shaft rigidity,characteristics of the particular golf ball brand they use, swing speed,grip tension and many others. The number of potential combinations ofthese factors is very large. The ability to identify the significance ofindividual setup related factors as well as to determine the optimal“settings” of these significant factors is extremely problematic.Furthermore, it is extremely rare for any particular golfer to be ableto identify specifically how inputs should be modified to increase theprobability of obtaining a specific result as observed or measurable interms of output factors such as distance and shape.

Examination of golf-related magazines and books reveal what is purportedto be the “magic” solution for all golfers. Of course, these magicsolutions tend not to be tailored to the needs of individual golfers asdetermined by physical attributes or equipment used.

Several golf-improvement-related inventions have received patents andthese inventions generally involve the use of somehardware-related-solution. Patents and a relevant Internet documentfollow:

Internet Document

“Golf Simulator Swing Analysis”, DeadSolidGolf.http://www.deadsolidgolf.com/swingAnalysis.html

Internet Web Site

www.customgolfsetup.com

This web site is operated by the inventor and is established as acommercial site. The fractional factorial methodology is sold as an“eBook” and is based upon the content of provisional patent No.US60/594,500 that was filed on Apr. 13, 2005. Patent Document NumberInventor US 2002/0031753 A1 Yanai et al. US 2003/0207718 A1 PerlmutterUS 2004/0106460 A1 Lee et al. 4,515,365 Horikoshi et al. 5,118,112Bregman et al. 5,419,562 Cromarty 5,694,340 Kim 5,697,791 Nashner et al.5,772,522 Nesbit et al. 5,779,555 Nomura et al. 5,792,000 Weber et al.6,042,492 Baum U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,492 B1 Taggett U.S. Pat. No.6,638,175 B2 Lee et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,757,572 B1 Forest

Foreign Patent Document Number Country & Date 10-43349 Japan, February1998 WO 03/009680 A1 W.I.P.O., February 2003

Upon review of the referenced documents, it can be seen that continuousvariable data analysis systems have been the subject of earlier patentand Internet documents.

In stating problems associated with previous solutions, the inventor hasnot validated these previous solutions and includes editorial commentsbased upon engineering experience. Firstly, a generic comment iswarranted. Whenever a hardware-related solution is involved, theaccuracy, resolution and repeatability of the hardware measurementsystems will contribute to the quality of the outputs. In that regard,any system that relies upon machine-based measurements will be subjectto the capabilities of the specific measurement system used. In thisregard, solutions that are independent of machine-based measurements,but rather, are based upon statistical analysis and the golfer'spersonal observations, will be more reliable.

Simply stated, when a golfer observes the result of a shot and is giventhe opportunity to quantitatively categorize the result, the inventorbelieves this to be a feature. The current invention uses the golfer'sbest judgment in categorizing and capturing results.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for agolfer to study the influence of multiple golf swing setup factors.

It is another object of the invention to provide the golfer with arecommendation that is customized to attributes particular to thatgolfer such as physical size, strength, swing speed, ball type, and golfclubs used.

It is another object of the invention to use a scientific approach toproviding the best possible set of recommendations with regard to golfsetup-related factors.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method that may berepeated if and when factors influencing the golfer's performance suchas physical ailments, age, strength or equipment significantly change.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided amethodology for the golfer, a golf teacher or coach to choose golf swingsetup factors to be studied in order to determine each studied factor'sinfluence on a set of output or performance factors; in this case, theoutput factors examined are distance and shape of the resulting shot.The golfer will complete a series of trials where setup factors arevaried in a manner defined within a statistically-valid experiment.Completion of these various trials will result in the capability of thegolfer to qualitatively select improved setup factors by observation ofthe golf shots or, secondly, to utilize statistical software to analyzethe data resulting from the trials, resulting in a series of graphicaland/or numeric recommendations for optimal results. The recommendationsyielded by the software analysis will be a function of the preferentialweightings of output factors (in this case, distance and shape) asprovided by the golfer. In simple terms, the recommended setup will verylikely change, depending upon the relative weightings the golfer assignsto distance and shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained byreference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunctionwith the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a strong grip or grip in the “test” position;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a weak grip or grip in the “normal” position;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of an alignment in the “normal” position;

FIG. 4 is a right side and elevated view of an alignment in the “test”position;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a golf club blade angle in both the “normal” and“test” positions;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a golf ball position in the “normal” position;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a golf ball position in the “test” position;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a leading toe in the “normal” position;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a leading toe in the “test” position;

FIG. 10 is a right side and elevated view of a reach in the “normal”position;

FIG. 11 is a right view of a reach in the “test” position;

FIG. 12 is a left view of a teeing height in “normal” position;

FIG. 13 is a left view of a teeing height in the “test” position;

FIG. 14 is a right side and elevated view of a trailing foot in the“normal” position;

FIG. 15 is a right side and elevated view of a trailing foot in the“test” position;

FIG. 16 is a tabular view of a fractional factorial experimental designmatrix for five (5) input factors and two (2) output factors;

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram describing basic steps associated with theinvention, including input factors that may be studied, the experimentaldesign matrix that needs to be created within MINITAB® StatisticalSoftware and the outputs as rendered by the MINITAB statistical softwareafter output performance factor weighting decisions are made by thegolfer;

FIG. 18 is a tabular view of a set of output factors and associatedresults for the golf swing setup analysis process;

FIG. 19 is a tabular view of an example of the completed experimentaldesign matrix generated by MINITAB. MINITAB® and the MINITAB logo® areregistered trademar

FIG. 20 is an example of an output graph generated by the statisticalanalysis software showing the influence of the input factors beingstudied on the specific output factor of interest and also an indicationof statistical significance as well as any interaction effects. Barlength indicates relative influence;

FIG. 21 is an example of an output graph generated by the statisticalanalysis software showing the relative influence of the main inputfactors being studied on the specific output factor of interest;

FIG. 22 is an example of an output graph generated by the statisticalanalysis software showing the recommended settings in which to place theinput factors being studied to achieve the weighted outputs as chosen bythe golfer;

FIG. 23 is a non-comprehensive set examples of alternate embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 24 is a set of specific instructions regarding how to create theexperiment within MINITAB;

FIG. 25 is a set of specific instructions for generating a pareto chartof effects;

FIG. 26 is a set of specific instructions for the generation of maineffects plots; and

FIG. 27 is a set of specific instructions for the generation of thefinal optimization recommendations.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components willbear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a front view of a strong grip or grip in the “test” position.If the golfer chooses to study the effect of the golf grip on golf shotdistance or shape, the golfer will use either the strong or “test” golfgrip 10 or weak or “normal” golf grip 12, as directed in the individualrows of the experimental design matrix 42. This particular grip would beused whenever the matrix indicates that the “test” grip should be used,also known within the matrix as grip level “1”. A grip is strong when,as the hands are placed on the golf club 21, the “V”s formed between thethumb and index finger of each hand points toward the trailing shoulder.Within the verbiage of this invention, “trailing” will always mean“farther away from the target” than the analogous body part. “Leading”will always mean “closer to the target” than the analogous body part. Inthis regard, the trailing shoulder is the shoulder farthest away fromthe target.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a weak grip or grip in the “normal” position.If the golfer chooses to study the effect of the golf grip on golf shotdistance or shape, the golfer will use either the strong or “test” golfgrip 10 or weak or “normal” golf grip 12, as directed in the individualrows of the experimental design matrix 42. This particular grip would beused whenever the matrix indicates that the “normal” grip should beused, also known within the matrix as grip level “−1”.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of an alignment in the “normal” position. Ifthe golfer chooses to study the effect of alignment on golf shotdistance or shape, the golfer will use either the straight or “normal”alignment 14, or the closed or “test” alignment 16, as directed in theindividual rows of the experimental design matrix 42. This particularalignment would be used whenever the matrix indicates that the “normal”alignment should be used, also known within the matrix as alignmentlevel “−1”.

FIG. 4 is a right side and elevated view of an alignment in the “test”position. If the golfer chooses to study the effect of alignment on golfshot distance or shape, the golfer will use either the straight or“normal” alignment 14, or the closed or “test” alignment 16, as directedin the individual rows of the experimental design matrix 42. Thisparticular alignment would be used whenever the matrix indicates thatthe “test” alignment should be used, also known within the matrix asalignment level “1”.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a golf club 21 blade angle in the “normal” and“test” positions. When the matrix requires that a “test” golf club bladeangle be used, also designated by a “1”, the golfer would close the faceof the club slightly, on the order of five (5) to 10 degrees. When thematrix requires that a “normal” golf club blade angle be used, alsodesignated by a “−1”, the golfer at setup would hold the face of theclub pointing directly at the intended target. “Normal” club facealignment 18 and “normal” golf club blade angle are used synonymously,as are “test” club face alignment 20 and “test” golf club blade angle.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a golf ball 46 in the “normal” golf ballposition 22. This ball position is located between the feet, at a normaldistance from the golfer, and immediately inside the heel of the leadingfoot. This ball position will be used whenever the matrix requires thata “normal” or “−1” ball position level be used.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a golf ball 46 in the “test” golf ballposition 24. This ball position is located between the feet, at a normaldistance from the golfer, and is fairly centered between the feet. Thismay also be referred to as being in the middle of the stance. This ballposition will be used whenever the matrix requires that a “test” or “1”ball position level be used.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a leading toe in the “normal” position. A“normal” leading toe position 26 will not be pointed straight outwardswhen the golfer is ready to initiate the backswing but rather, will beflared toward the target at an angle of as much as 45 degrees fromstraight outward. This will effectively limit the extent to which thegolfer is able to turn their trunk, hips and shoulders during thebackswing. The normal leading toe will be required whenever the leadingtoe position is being studied and the matrix requires a normal or a “−1”level.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a leading toe in the “test” position. A “test”leading toe position 28 will be pointed straight outwards when thegolfer is ready to initiate the backswing. This will effectivelyincrease the extent to which the golfer is able to turn their trunk,hips and shoulders during the backswing. The test leading toe will berequired whenever the leading toe position is being studied and thematrix requires a test or a “1” level.

FIG. 10 is a right side and elevated view of a reach in the “normal”position. A “normal” reach 30 is one in which the hands, when on thegolf club grip, are directly below the chin. This is referred to as aneutral hand position. The normal reach will be required whenever reachis being studied and the matrix requires a normal or a “−1” level.

FIG. 11 is a right view of a reach in the “test” position. A “test”reach 32 is one in which the hands, when on the golf club grip, areextended beyond directly below the chin or extended beyond the neutralhand position. The test reach will be required whenever reach is beingstudied and the matrix requires a test or a “1” level.

FIG. 12 is a left view of a teeing height in “normal” position. “normal”teeing height 34 has approximately one-quarter of the golf ball 46 abovethe face of the club. This factor will apply to what are commonlyreferred to as “woods”, rather than “irons”, and will apply only to thefirst shot of a given hole. That is to say, it will apply when a ball isplaced upon a golf tee, and when a wood is used (the “wood” may be madeof metal). The “normal” factor level will be required when teeing heightis one of the factors being studied and when the matrix requires anormal or “−1” factor level.

FIG. 13 is a left view of a teeing height in the “test” position. “test”teeing height 36 has approximately three-quarters of the golf ball 46above the face of the club. This factor will apply to what are commonlyreferred to as “woods”, rather than “irons”, and will apply only to thefirst shot of a given hole. That is to say, it will apply when a ball isplaced upon a golf tee, and when a wood is used (the “wood” may be madeof metal). The “test” factor level will be required when teeing heightis one of the factors being studied and when the matrix requires a testor “1” factor level.

FIG. 14 is a right side and elevated view of a trailing foot in the“normal” position. A “normal” trailing foot position 38 is one where thetoes of both feet form a line along the intended alignment. Both thetips of the feet, the hips and the shoulders will be aligned with oneanother. This trailing foot position will be required when trailing footposition is one of the factors chosen to be studied and when the matrixrequires a normal or “−1” trailing foot position.

FIG. 15 is a right side and elevated view of a trailing foot in the“test” position. A “test” trailing foot position 40 is one where thetoes of both feet do not form a line along the intended alignment butrather, the trailing foot is pulled directly backward by approximatelyfour (4) inches. The tips of the feet will not be aligned with the hipsand the shoulders. The hips and the shoulders will remain in alignmentwith each other and will align with the intended initial flightdirection of the golf ball 46. This trailing foot position will berequired when trailing foot position is one of the factors chosen to bestudied and when the matrix requires a test or “1” trailing footposition.

FIG. 16 is a tabular view of a fractional factorial experimental designmatrix 42 for five (5) input factors and two (2) outputs. It should benoted that FIG. 16 is only one example of the experimental design planthat may be created by the statistical software. As this is a “one-halffractional factorial design”, it has 16 rows or trials included in theexperiment. A full factorial for five factors and two levels each wouldhave 32 rows. This is determined by two levels for each factor raised tothe fifth power, which equals 32; therefore, a one-half fractionalfactorial design has one-half of 32 rows, or 16 rows. The statisticalsoftware may establish many potential combinations of these five factorsat two levels each. FIG. 16 is the one that was generated in thisparticular case. This is an important point to make in defining thescope of the invention. Any such experimental design generated by theMINITAB Statistical Software for one-half fractional factorial designsis equally valid. It is not a requirement that the specific combinationsof factors as seen in FIG. 16 be used. Rather, any such experimentaldesign generated by the software is considered to be as equally valid asany similar design, that is, a one-half fractional factorial design suchas the one seen in FIG. 16 is equally valid as any other one-halffractional factorial design using two levels each of five factors asgenerated by the MINITAB software.

FIG. 17 is a general flow diagram 48 describing the basic stepsassociated with the invention, including input factors to be studied,the experimental design matrix 42 that needs to be created withinMINITAB Statistical Software and the outputs as rendered by the MINITABStatistical Software after factor weighting decisions are made by thegolfer.

FIG. 18 is a tabular view of a set of set of output factor categoriesand associated results 52 for the golf swing setup analysis process.

FIG. 19 is a tabular view of an example of the completed experimentaldesign matrix generated by the statistical analysis software.

FIG. 20 is an example of an output graph for main input effects andinteractions 56 generated by the statistical analysis software showingthe influence of the input factors being studied on the specific outputfactor of interest and also an indication of statistical significance aswell as any interaction effects. Interactions or interaction effects ofinputs occurs when the change in an output response from the normallevel to the test level of one factor is not the same as the change inoutput response at the same two levels of a second factor. That is, theeffect of one factor is dependent upon a second factor.

FIG. 21 is an example of an output graph for effects of input factors 58generated by the statistical analysis software showing the relativeinfluence of the main input factors being studied on the specific outputfactor of interest. This graph specifically indicates the average of theoutput factor being studied at each input level of each input factorbeing studied. This graphical output is an excellent indicator to thegolfer regarding which discrete level of each input factor (normal ortest) will provide a preferred result.

FIG. 22 is an example of a graphical and numeric output ofrecommendations 60 generated by the statistical analysis softwareshowing the recommended settings in which to place the input factorsbeing studied to achieve the weighted outputs as chosen by the golfer.In reality, the input factors are not discrete factors. They areactually continuous in nature and the purpose of this graphical outputis to provide the recommendation for how the golfer should set eachfactor being studied at setup to achieve the set of output factorcategories as weighted by the golfer. In the experimental design matrix42, the two input levels to be tested are “−1” or “normal” and “1” ortest. As can be seen in FIG. 22, and by way of example, the recommendedoutput for the leading toe is −0.3902. A recommendation of “0” would betranslated to mean half-way between “−1” and “1”, which means theleading toe would be positioned half-way between the “normal” and “test”positions. We will refer to this as “neutral”. In the case of therecommendation being “−0.3902”, the recommendation is that the leadingtoe be placed 39 percent of the way toward the normal position from theneutral position.

FIG. 23 is an example of alternate embodiments of the invention. Whilethe primary embodiment of associated figures and elements includedwithin relate to a golf setup optimization process utilizing a five (5)factor, two (2) level, one-half fractional factorial experimentalmethodology (16 rows for five factors), alternate embodiments of theinvention would include additional input factors and alternateexperimental designs, including, three factor levels, other than fiveinput factors and two output performance factors, and full factorialdesigns.

Alternate embodiments of the invention would relate to sports other thangolf, where performance-related factors are influenced by “set-up”related (static) or dynamic input factors that may be subjected to theexperimental methodologies as referenced herein. While the scope ofpotential alternate embodiments are too lengthy to include acomprehensive list, examples of alternate embodiments of the inventionare provided in FIG. 23, which includes pitching a baseball, wheregripping the ball is a function of fingers spacing and position offingers relative to the baseball's seams among other factors and whereoutput factors would include the amount the ball curves and the velocityof the pitch; batting in baseball where input factors would include theamount the batter crouches, foot position and hand placement on the batamong many other potential input factors and where the output factorswould include power, batting average and the ability to hit varioustypes of pitches. Additionally, shooting a jump shot or a free throw inbasketball would be associated with input factors including handsposition on the basketball, elbow position and body orientation withrespect to the basketball goal and where output performance factorswould include, amongst others, percentage of shots made and alignment ofshot with respect to the goal. Alternate embodiments of the inventionwould include, but not be limited to, the brief number of examplesprovided in FIG. 23. Swimming, tennis, football and soccer areadditional examples of sports that will clearly include input factorsrelated to arm, leg, hand and body positions that will directly reflectalternate embodiments of the invention.

An additional alternate embodiment of the invention includes the abilityof the golfer to make a qualitative determination of appropriate “setpoints” for the input factors based strictly upon observation whileexecuting the various trials defined within the experimental designmatrix 42. That is to say, a certain combination of factors may allowthe golfer to draw the golf ball 46 when, historically, the golfer hasnot been able to draw the ball. The golfer would very likely wish tonote this set up combination for future use, when a shot on the golfcourse requires a draw. Although the input factors may not have beenoptimized in accordance with a primary goal of the invention,nevertheless the golfer will realize a benefit in improved skills by wayof executing the experimental design matrix 42.

FIG. 24 is a set of specific instructions for a process for creating afractional factorial design 64 within MINITAB Statistical Software.

FIG. 25 is set of specific instructions for a process for generating apareto of effects and interactions and resulting graphical outputs 66.

FIG. 26 is a set of specific instructions for a process for generatingmain effects plots and resulting graphical outputs 68.

FIG. 27 is a set of specific instructions for a process to optimizeinput factors and obtain graphical and numeric outputs 70. Themethodology as described in the invention uses a value of “−1” for thenormal factor level and “1” for the test factor level of each inputfactor included within the experimental design matrix 42. The inventionallows the golfer to identify a level for each factor studied thatresults in improvement in set of output factor categories, eithermanually by execution of the individual rows of the experimental designmatrix 42 and resulting visual observation or by use of MINITABstatistical analysis software, in which case, recommended factor levelsare provided as well as a determination of optimum factor levels, basedupon a definition of weighting factors as provided by the golfer. Theseoptimum input factor levels reflect the fact that they are, in fact,continuous variables; therefore, the optimized values will take thevalue of the “normal” factor level, the “test” factor level, or anyvalue between the two. That is to say, they may take a value other thanthe ‘normal” or ‘test” discrete levels used during execution of theexperimental design. Stated another way and for example, the recommendedlevel for grip may be strong, weak, or somewhere between strong andweak.

While the invention uses the terms “normal” and “test” input factorlevels, this is not to imply that one is, in practice, more normal thanthe other. The two terms are used only to differentiate one factor levelfrom the other for each input factor.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operatingrequirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in theart, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen forpurposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications whichdo not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of thisinvention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected byLetters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

1. A golf performance improvement analysis method utilizing eitherfractional factorial or full factorial statistical analysis and anoutput factors weighting scheme for an analytical tool to assist in theidentification of optimized input factors resulting in improvedperformance as relates to golf, comprising: means for providing for a“test” level for the factor “golf grip”; means for providing for a“normal” level for the factor “golf grip”, separately chosen to saidmeans for providing for a “test” level for the factor “golf grip”; meansfor providing for a “normal” level for the factor “alignment”; means forproviding for a “test” level for the factor “alignment”, separatelychosen to said means for providing for a “normal” level for the factor“alignment”; means for providing for a “normal” level for the factor“club face alignment”; means for providing for a “test” level for thefactor “club face alignment”, separately chosen to said means forproviding for a “normal” level for the factor “club face alignment”;means for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “golf ballposition”; means for providing for a “test” level for the factor “golfball position”, separately chosen to said means for providing for a“normal” level for the factor “golf ball position”; means for providingfor a “normal” level for the factor “leading toe position”; means forproviding for a “test” level for the factor “leading toe position”,separately chosen to said means for providing for a “normal” level forthe factor “leading toe position”; means for providing for a “normal”level for the factor “reach”; means for providing for a “test” level forthe factor “reach”, separately chosen to said means for providing for a“normal” level for the factor “reach”; means for providing for a“normal” level for the factor “teeing height”; means for providing for a“test” level for the factor “teeing height”, separately chosen to saidmeans for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “teeing height”;means for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “trailing footposition”; means for providing for a “test” level for the factor“trailing foot position”, separately chosen to said means for providingfor a “normal” level for the factor “trailing foot position”; means forproviding the various combinations of input factor levels to be studied,selectively included to said means for providing for a “test” level forthe factor “trailing foot position”, selectively included to said meansfor providing for a “normal” level for the factor “trailing footposition”, selectively included to said means for providing for a “test”level for the factor “teeing height”, selectively included to said meansfor providing for a “normal” level for the factor “teeing height”,selectively included to said means for providing for a “test” level forthe factor “reach”, selectively included to said means for providing fora “normal” level for the factor “reach”, selectively included to saidmeans for providing for a “test” level for the factor “leading toeposition”, selectively included to said means for providing for a“normal” level for the factor “leading toe position”, selectivelyincluded to said means for providing for a “test” level for the factor“golf ball position”, selectively included to said means for providingfor a “normal” level for the factor “golf ball position”, selectivelyincluded to said means for providing for a “test” level for the factor“club face alignment”, selectively included to said means for providingfor a “normal” level for the factor “club face alignment”, selectivelyincluded to said means for providing for a “test” level for the factor“alignment”, selectively included to said means for providing for a“normal” level for the factor “alignment”, selectively included to saidmeans for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “golf grip”, andselectively included to said means for providing for a “test” level forthe factor “golf grip”; means for striking the golf ball so that thedistance and path of the ball may be observed during the various trialsdefined within the experimental design matrix; means for enabling thegolfer to observe results leading to categorization using the set ofoutput factor categories and associated results, dynamically impacted tosaid means for striking the golf ball so that the distance and path ofthe ball may be observed during the various trials defined within theexperimental design matrix; means for providing the general steps to betaken during the execution of the experimental design matrix leading toan ultimate determination of optimized inputs; means for creating thefractional factorial or full factorial experimental design matrices,performing the analysis of data using inputs as provided by the golfer,and providing tabular or graphical results, integrally embedded to saidmeans for providing the various combinations of input factor levels tobe studied; means for providing the discrete choices for results of theexperimental trials to be used within the experimental design matrix,appropriately recorded to said means for providing the variouscombinations of input factor levels to be studied; means for showing theinfluence of the input factors being studied on the specific outputfactor of interest as well as interaction effects upon the output factoras well as an indication of statistical significance as determined byMINITAB, uniquely calculated to said means for creating the fractionalfactorial or full factorial experimental design matrices, performing theanalysis of data using inputs as provided by the golfer, and providinggraphical and numeric results; means for providing an visual indicatorof the relationship between the discrete input variable factor levelsand the average result of the associated output factor as determined byMINITAB, uniquely calculated to said means for creating the fractionalfactorial or full factorial experimental design matrices, performing theanalysis of data using inputs as provided by the golfer, and providinggraphical and numeric results; means for providing optimization resultsfor input factors as determined by MINITAB, uniquely calculated to saidmeans for creating the fractional factorial or full factorialexperimental design matrices, performing the analysis of data usinginputs as provided by the golfer, and providing graphical and numericresults; means for creating the experimental design matrix withinMINITAB Statistical Software; means for identifying the most influencialinput factors on the outputs as well as any important interactionsbetween input factors as relates to the outputs as determined byMINITAB; means for identifying the average effect of the factor levelsfor each input factor on each output factor as determined by MINITAB;and means for defining the process to optimize each input factor beingstudied using MINITAB.
 2. The golf performance improvement analysismethod utilizing either fractional factorial or full factorialstatistical analysis and an output factors weighting scheme inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing for a “test”level for the factor “golf grip” comprises the “v”s formed by the thumband index fingers of each hand point to the trailing shoulder strong or“test” golf grip.
 3. The golf performance improvement analysis methodutilizing either fractional factorial or full factorial statisticalanalysis and an output factors weighting scheme in accordance with claim1, wherein said means for providing for a “normal” level for the factor“golf grip” comprises the “v“s formed by the thumbs and index fingers ofboth hands point to the ear on the trailing side of the face weak or“normal” golf grip.
 4. The golf performance improvement analysis methodutilizing either fractional factorial or full factorial statisticalanalysis and an output factors weighting scheme in accordance with claim1, wherein said means for providing for a “normal” level for the factor“alignment” comprises the line formed by the tips of both feet pointstoward the target straight or “normal” alignment.
 5. The golfperformance improvement analysis method utilizing either fractionalfactorial or full factorial statistical analysis and an output factorsweighting scheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means forproviding for a “test” level for the factor “alignment” comprises a, fora right-handed golfer, the line formed by the tips of the feet pointslightly right of target and for a left-handed golfer, the line willpoint to the left of the target closed or “test” alignment.
 6. The golfperformance improvement analysis method utilizing either fractionalfactorial or full factorial statistical analysis and an output factorsweighting scheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means forproviding for a “normal” level for the factor “club face alignment”comprises the face of the golf club is pointed directly at the intendedtarget “normal” club face alignment.
 7. The golf performance improvementanalysis method utilizing either fractional factorial or full factorialstatistical analysis and an output factors weighting scheme inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing for a “test”level for the factor “club face alignment” comprises the club face ofthe golf club is closed “test” club face alignment.
 8. The golfperformance improvement analysis method utilizing either fractionalfactorial or full factorial statistical analysis and an output factorsweighting scheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means forproviding for a “normal” level for the factor “golf ball position”comprises the golf ball positioned at the inside of the leading foot'sheel “normal” golf ball position.
 9. The golf performance improvementanalysis method utilizing either fractional factorial or full factorialstatistical analysis and an output factors weighting scheme inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing for a “test”level for the factor “golf ball position” comprises a golf ballpositioned at the center of the stance “test” golf ball position. 10.The golf performance improvement analysis method utilizing eitherfractional factorial or full factorial statistical analysis and anoutput factors weighting scheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidmeans for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “leading toeposition” comprises a leading toe is flared toward the target “normal”leading toe position.
 11. The golf performance improvement analysismethod utilizing either fractional factorial or full factorialstatistical analysis and an output factors weighting scheme inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing for a “test”level for the factor “leading toe position” comprises the leading toe ispointed straight outward “test” leading toe position.
 12. The golfperformance improvement analysis method utilizing either fractionalfactorial or full factorial statistical analysis and an output factorsweighting scheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means forproviding for a “normal” level for the factor “reach” comprises thehands are below the chin at setup “normal” reach.
 13. The golfperformance improvement analysis method utilizing either fractionalfactorial or full factorial statistical analysis and an output factorsweighting scheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means forproviding for a “test” level for the factor “reach” comprises the handsare pushed outward at setup “test” reach.
 14. The golf performanceimprovement analysis method utilizing either fractional factorial orfull factorial statistical analysis and an output factors weightingscheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing fora “normal” level for the factor “teeing height” comprises an approximateone-quarter of the golf ball is above the clubface “normal” teeingheight.
 15. The golf performance improvement analysis method utilizingeither fractional factorial or full factorial statistical analysis andan output factors weighting scheme in accordance with claim 1, whereinsaid means for providing for a “test” level for the factor “teeingheight” comprises an approximate three-quarters of the golf ball isabove the club face “test” teeing height.
 16. The golf performanceimprovement analysis method utilizing either fractional factorial orfull factorial statistical analysis and an output factors weightingscheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing fora “normal” level for the factor “trailing foot position” comprises theshoulders are aligned with the intended target and the tips of the feetform a line toward the target “normal” trailing foot position.
 17. Thegolf performance improvement analysis method utilizing either fractionalfactorial or full factorial statistical analysis and an output factorsweighting scheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means forproviding for a “test” level for the factor “trailing foot position”comprises a shoulders are aligned with target but trailing foot isdropped approximately four (4) inches from a line between the toes thatwould point toward the target “test” trailing foot position.
 18. Thegolf performance improvement analysis method utilizing either fractionalfactorial or full factorial statistical analysis and an output factorsweighting scheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means forproviding the various combinations of input factor levels to be studiedcomprises an experimental design matrix.
 19. The golf performanceimprovement analysis method utilizing either fractional factorial orfull factorial statistical analysis and an output factors weightingscheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for striking thegolf ball so that the distance and path of the ball may be observedduring the various trials defined within the experimental design matrixcomprises a golf club.
 20. The golf performance improvement analysismethod utilizing either fractional factorial or full factorialstatistical analysis and an output factors weighting scheme inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for enabling the golfer toobserve results leading to categorization using the set of output factorcategories comprises a golf ball.
 21. The golf performance improvementanalysis method utilizing either fractional factorial or full factorialstatistical analysis and an output factors weighting scheme inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing the generalsteps to be taken during the execution of the experimental design matrixleading to an ultimate determination of optimized inputs comprises ageneral flow diagram.
 22. The golf performance improvement analysismethod utilizing either fractional factorial or full factorialstatistical analysis and an output factors weighting scheme inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for creating the fractionalfactorial or full factorial experimental design matrices, performing theanalysis of data using inputs as provided by the golfer, and providingtabular or graphical results comprises a MINITAB Statistical Softwarestatistical analysis software.
 23. The golf performance improvementanalysis method utilizing either fractional factorial or full factorialstatistical analysis and an output factors weighting scheme inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing the discretechoices for results of the experimental trials to be used within theexperimental design matrix comprises a set of output factor categoriesand associated results.
 24. The golf performance improvement analysismethod utilizing either fractional factorial or full factorialstatistical analysis and an output factors weighting scheme inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for showing the influence ofthe input factors being studied on the specific output factor ofinterest as well as interaction effects upon the output factor as wellas an indication of statistical significance as determined by MINITABcomprises an output graph for main input effects and interactions. 25.The golf performance improvement analysis method utilizing eitherfractional factorial or full factorial statistical analysis and anoutput factors weighting scheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidmeans for providing an visual indicator of the relationship between thediscrete input variable factor levels and the average result of theassociated output factor as determined by MINITAB comprises an outputgraph for effects of input factors.
 26. The golf performance improvementanalysis method utilizing either fractional factorial or full factorialstatistical analysis and an output factors weighting scheme inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing optimizationresults for input factors as determined by MINITAB comprises a graphicaland numeric output of recommendations.
 27. The golf performanceimprovement analysis method utilizing either fractional factorial orfull factorial statistical analysis and an output factors weightingscheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for creating theexperimental design matrix within MINITAB Statistical Software comprisesa process for creating a fractional factorial design.
 28. The golfperformance improvement analysis method utilizing either fractionalfactorial or full factorial statistical analysis and an output factorsweighting scheme in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means foridentifying the most influencial input factors on the outputs as well asany important interactions between input factors as relates to theoutputs as determined by MINITAB comprises a process for generating apareto of effects and interactions.
 29. The golf performance improvementanalysis method utilizing either fractional factorial or full factorialstatistical analysis and an output factors weighting scheme inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for identifying the averageeffect of the factor levels for each input factor on each output factoras determined by MINITAB comprises a process for generating main effectsplots.
 30. The golf performance improvement analysis method utilizingeither fractional factorial or full factorial statistical analysis andan output factors weighting scheme in accordance with claim 1, whereinsaid means for defining the process to optimize each input factor beingstudied using MINITAB comprises a process for optimizing input factors.31. A golf performance improvement analysis method utilizing eitherfractional factorial or full factorial statistical analysis and anoutput factors weighting scheme for an analytical tool to assist in theidentification of optimized input factors resulting in improvedperformance as relates to golf, comprising: the “v”s formed by the thumband index fingers of each hand point to the trailing shoulder strong or“test” golf grip, for providing for a “test” level for the factor “golfgrip”; the “v”s formed by the thumbs and index fingers of both handspoint to the ear on the trailing side of the face weak or “normal” golfgrip, for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “golf grip”,separately chosen to said strong or “test” golf grip; the line formed bythe tips of both feet points toward the target straight or “normal”alignment, for providing for a “normal” level for the factor“alignment”; a for a right-handed golfer, the line formed by the tips ofthe feet point slightly right of target. for a left-handed golfer, theline will point to the left of the target closed or “test” alignment,for providing for a “test” level for the factor “alignment”, separatelychosen to said straight or “normal” alignment; the face of the golf clubis pointed directly at the intended target “normal” club face alignment,for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “club face alignment”;the club face of the golf club is “closed” “test”club face alignment,for providing for a “test” level for the factor “club face alignment”,separately chosen to said “normal” club face alignment; the golf ballpositioned at the inside of the leading foot's heel “normal” golf ballposition, for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “golf ballposition”; a golf ball positioned at the center of the stance “test”golf ball position, for providing for a “test” level for the factor“golf ball position”, separately chosen to said “normal” golf ballposition; a leading toe is flared toward the target “normal” leading toeposition, for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “leading toeposition”; the leading toe is pointed straight outward “test” leadingtoe position, for providing for a “test” level for the factor “leadingtoe position”, separately chosen to said “normal” leading toe position;the hands are below the chin at setup “normal” reach, for providing fora “normal” level for the factor “reach”; the hands are pushed outward atsetup “test” reach, for providing for a “test” level for the factor“reach”, separately chosen to said “normal” reach; an approximateone-quarter of the golf ball is above the clubface “normal” teeingheight, for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “teeingheight”; an approximate three-quarters of the golf ball is above theclub face “test” teeing height, for providing for a “test” level for thefactor “teeing height”, separately chosen to said “normal” teeingheight; the shoulders are aligned with the intended target and the tipsof the feet form a line toward the target “normal” trailing footposition, for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “trailingfoot position”; a shoulders are aligned with target but trailing foot isdropped approximately four (4) inches from a line between the toes thatwould point toward the target “test” trailing foot position, forproviding for a “test” level for the factor “trailing foot position”,separately chosen to said “normal” trailing foot position; anexperimental design matrix, for providing the various combinations ofinput factor levels to be studied, selectively included to said “test”trailing foot position, selectively included to said “normal” trailingfoot position, selectively included to said “test” teeing height,selectively included to said “normal” teeing height, selectivelyincluded to said “test” reach, selectively included to said “normal”reach, selectively included to said “test” leading toe position,selectively included to said “normal” leading toe position, selectivelyincluded to said “test” golf ball position, selectively included to said“normal” golf ball position, selectively included to said “test” clubface alignment, selectively included to said “normal” club facealignment, selectively included to said closed or “test” alignment,selectively included to said straight or “normal” alignment, selectivelyincluded to said weak or “normal” golf grip, and selectively included tosaid strong or “test” golf grip; a golf club, for striking the golf ballso that the distance and path of the ball may be observed during thevarious trials defined within the experimental design matrix; a golfball, for enabling the golfer to observe results leading tocategorization using the set of output factor categories, dynamicallyimpacted to said golf club; a general flow diagram, for providing thegeneral steps to be taken during the execution of the experimentaldesign matrix leading to an ultimate determination of optimized inputs;a MINITAB Statistical Software statistical analysis software, forcreating the fractional factorial or full factorial experimental designmatrices, performing the analysis of data using inputs as provided bythe golfer, and providing tabular or graphical results, integrallyembedded to said experimental design matrix; a set of output factorcategories and results, for providing the discrete choices for resultsof the experimental trials to be used within the experimental designmatrix, appropriately recorded to said experimental design matrix; anoutput graph for main input effects and interactions, for showing theinfluence of the input factors being studied on the specific outputfactor of interest as well as interaction effects upon the output factoras well as an indication of statistical significance as determined byMINITAB, uniquely calculated to said statistical analysis software; anoutput graph for effects of input factors, for providing an visualindicator of the relationship between the discrete input variable factorlevels and the average result of the associated output factor asdetermined by MINITAB, uniquely calculated to said statistical analysissoftware; a graphical and numeric output of recommendations, forproviding optimization results for input factors as determined byMINITAB, uniquely calculated to said statistical analysis software; aprocess for creating a fractional factorial design, for creating theexperimental design matrix within MINITAB statistical software; aprocess for generating a pareto of effects and interactions, foridentifying the most influencial input factors on the outputs as well asany important interactions between input factors as relates to theoutputs as determined by MINITAB; a process for generating main effectsplots, for identifying the average effect of the factor levels for eachinput factor on each output factor as determined by MINITAB; and aprocess for optimizing input factors, for defining the process tooptimize each input factor being studied using MINITAB.
 32. The golfperformance improvement analysis method utilizing either fractionalfactorial or full factorial statistical analysis and an output factorsweighting scheme as recited in claim 31, further comprising: an examplesof alternate embodiments of the invention, for providing examples of howthe invention may be applied to additional sports or games.
 33. A golfperformance improvement analysis method utilizing either fractionalfactorial or full factorial statistical analysis and an output factorsweighting scheme for an analytical tool to assist in the identificationof optimized input factors resulting in improved performance as relatesto golf, comprising: the “v”s formed by the thumb and index fingers ofeach hand point to the trailing shoulder strong or “test” golf grip, forproviding for a “test” level for the factor “golf grip”; the “v”s formedby the thumbs and index fingers of both hands point to the ear on thetrailing side of the face weak or “normal” golf grip, for providing fora “normal” level for the factor “golf grip”, separately chosen to saidstrong or “test” golf grip; the line formed by the tips of both feetpoints toward the target straight or “normal” alignment, for providingfor a “normal” level for the factor “alignment”; a for a right-handedgolfer, the line formed by the tips of the feet point slightly right oftarget whereas for a left-handed golfer, the line will point to the leftof the target closed or “test” alignment, for providing for a “test”level for the factor “alignment”, separately chosen to said straight or“normal” alignment; the face of the golf club is pointed directly at theintended target “normal” club face alignment, for providing for a“normal” level for the factor “club face alignment”; the club face ofthe golf club is closed “test” club face alignment, for providing for a“test” level for the factor “club face alignment”, separately chosen tosaid “normal” club face alignment; the golf ball positioned at theinside of the leading foot's heel “normal” golf ball position, forproviding for a “normal” level for the factor “golf ball position”; agolf ball positioned at the center of the stance “test” golf ballposition, for providing for a “test” level for the factor “golf ballposition”, separately chosen to said “normal” golf ball position; aleading toe is flared toward the target “normal” leading toe position,for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “leading toeposition”; the leading toe is pointed straight outward “test” leadingtoe position, for providing for a “test” level for the factor “leadingtoe position”, separately chosen to said “normal” leading toe position;the hands are below the chin at setup “normal” reach, for providing fora “normal” level for the factor “reach”; the hands are pushed outward atsetup “test” reach, for providing for a “test” level for the factor“reach”, separately chosen to said “normal” reach; an approximateone-quarter of the golf ball is above the clubface “normal” teeingheight, for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “teeingheight”; an approximate three-quarters of the golf ball is above theclub face “test” teeing height, for providing for a “test” level for thefactor “teeing height”, separately chosen to said “normal” teeingheight; the shoulders are aligned with the intended target and the tipsof the feet form a line toward the target “normal” trailing footposition, for providing for a “normal” level for the factor “trailingfoot position”; a shoulders are aligned with target but trailing foot isdropped approximately four (4) inches from a line between the toes thatwould point toward the target “test” trailing foot position, forproviding for a “test” level for the factor “trailing foot position”,separately chosen to said “normal” trailing foot position; anexperimental design matrix, for providing the various combinations ofinput factor levels to be studied, selectively included to said “test”trailing foot position, selectively included to said “normal” trailingfoot position, selectively included to said “test” teeing height,selectively included to said “normal” teeing height, selectivelyincluded to said “test” reach, selectively included to said “normal”reach, selectively included to said “test” leading toe position,selectively included to said “normal” leading toe position, selectivelyincluded to said “test” golf ball position, selectively included to said“normal” golf ball position, selectively included to said “test” clubface alignment, selectively included to said “normal” club facealignment, selectively included to said closed or “test” alignment,selectively included to said straight or “normal” alignment, selectivelyincluded to said weak or “normal” golf grip, and selectively included tosaid strong or “test” golf grip; a golf club, for striking the golf ballso that the distance and path of the ball may be observed during thevarious trials defined within the experimental design matrix; a golfball, for enabling the golfer to observe results leading tocategorization using the set of output factor categories, dynamicallyimpacted to said golf club; a general flow diagram, for providing thegeneral steps to be taken during the execution of the experimentaldesign matrix leading to an ultimate determination of optimized inputs;a MINITAB Statistical Software statistical analysis software, forcreating the fractional factorial or full factorial experimental designmatrices, performing the analysis of data using inputs as provided bythe golfer, and providing graphical and numeric results, integrallyembedded to said experimental design matrix; a set of output factorcategories and results, for providing discrete choices for results ofthe experimental trials to be used within the experimental designmatrix, appropriately recorded to said experimental design matrix; anoutput graph for main input effects and interactions, for showing theinfluence of the input factors being studied on the specific outputfactor of interest as well as interaction effects upon the output factoras well as an indication of statistical significance as determined byMINITAB, uniquely calculated to said statistical analysis software; anoutput graph for effects of input factors, for providing an visualindicator of the relationship between the discrete input variable factorlevels and the average result of the associated output factor asdetermined by MINITAB, uniquely calculated to said statistical analysissoftware; a graphical and numeric output of recommendations, forproviding optimization results for input factors as determined byMINITAB, uniquely calculated to said statistical analysis software; anexamples of alternate embodiments of the invention, for providingexamples of how the invention may be applied to additional sports orgames; a process for creating a fractional factorial design, forcreating the experimental design matrix within MINITAB StatisticalSoftware; a process for generating a pareto of effects and interactions,for identifying the most influencial input factors on the outputs aswell as any important interactions between input factors as relates tothe outputs as determined by MINITAB; a process for generating maineffects plots, for identifying the average effect of the factor levelsfor each input factor on each output factor as determined by MINITAB;and a process for optimizing input factors, for defining the process tooptimize each input factor being studied using MINITAB.